The Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA) has officially launched a landmark new program that will strengthen pathways into the psychology profession for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander provisional psychologists, marking an important milestone for Indigenous psychology in Australia.
Launched recetly at the University of Western Australia, the AIPA Culturally Responsive Internship and Supervision Support Project is the first program of its kind in Australia.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, it will provide culturally responsive internship placements and supervision support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander provisional psychologists as they transition into professional practice.
The launch brought together Elders, psychology students, academics, government representatives, partners and Indigenous psychologists, and community members to celebrate the initiative, which aims to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychology workforce and improve access to culturally safe mental health care.
Guests were welcomed into a beautifully curated cultural space by Noongar Elders Aunty TJ and Aunty Alta Winmar, with a smoking ceremony on arrival, followed by a moving Welcome to Country by Alton Walley.
AIPA also welcomed by AIPA Chairperson Professor Victoria Hovane and AIPA Co-Vice Chairperson Shannon McNeair.
Professor Hovane noted: "Centring the ancient wisdom of our Old People, our ancestors, is dear to our hearts; and then considering what psychology has to offer our people, as they face the challenges presented by colonisation that for us, never stopped; wisdom that is critical for building and sustaining our resilience, identity and ways of being in the world; and securing systems change for our future generations, so they don't have to have these same battles".
Professor Hovane says AIPA is honoured to lead the groundbreaking initiative.
"AIPA is incredibly grateful for the trust shown in us by the Department of Health and Ageing, through the funding of the AIPA Culturally Responsive Internship & Supervision Support Program. This represents the culmination of AIPA's long-term advocacy around growing the Indigenous Psychology workforce that has been supported from the beginning by the APS," she said.
"We are incredibly grateful for this support throughout our journey. We acknowledge the trust shown in us through the funding of this first of a kind program in Australia, and look forward to working with the Department, and all of our allies including the Australian Psychological Society, our community-controlled organisations, and other stakeholders, in continuing to build an Indigenous Psychology workforce for the future."
The event also featured remarks from AIPA's Patron and Matriarch Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Professor at the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia and one of Australia's leading Indigenous psychologists, together with Belle Selkirk, who spoke about the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) and the importance of strengthening pathways into the profession.
Ms McNeair did a deadly job of MCing, bring her own lived experience and warmth.
Psychology student James Hill reflected on his own experiences of tertiary education, cultural load and structural inequity. James told the gathered crowd about the value of culturally responsive supervision and the importance of creating supportive pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students entering the profession.
Taking the microphone directly afterwards, Ms McNeair responded to James: "We see you."
The project represents a significant investment in the future of Indigenous psychology, recognising that a stronger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychology workforce is essential to improving culturally safe care, strengthening Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), and supporting better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Beyond supporting individual provisional psychologists, the initiative is expected to build leadership, expand the pool of culturally responsive supervisors and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Indigenous psychology across Australia.
As guests gathered over lunch following the launch, the atmosphere reflected both celebration and purpose - recognising not only a major achievement for AIPA, but a shared commitment to creating stronger pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists.
